Summer Shandy and Mullineaux

- Contributed by Ms Duck

Summer vacation has come and gone, well for the most part.  Sadly, although myself, Duck and Ducklings made our annual pilgrimage to Missouri to visit my family, we were not able to stop at a single brewery along the way.  Honestly, I was feeling a little out of sorts as if I was in another dimension where good beer doesn’t exist.

Although there are some amazing breweries in Missouri and between Phoenix and our destination, we just weren’t able to stop.  I’d like to officially blame the friggin’ heat wave!  We were transporting our doggie, Camille, and two kittens, Rex and Lynx.  With the heat like it was, that meant no long stops along the way.

Luckily we have been pleasantly surprised by some of our beer finds after arriving in rural MO.  And I do mean rural, 30 miles from a Wal-Mart, only one bona fide liquor store and staying with my parents (WHO DON’T ALLOW ALCOHOL CONSUMED ON THEIR PROPERTY!!)  However, Duck and I prevailed in our search for quality craft brew...being here brings out your creative side.

Our first surprising find was at the Applebee’s in the town 30 miles SE of us.  My sister lives over that way and while the Ducklings were with her at Vacation Bible School, we stopped into Applebee’s for a few rounds.  Yes I do see the irony of this and find it completely hilarious.

We ended up at Applebee’s two nights that week partly because the options are few and also because we were pleasantly surprised with our limited beer selection.  I opted with the Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy.  Duck had a Boulevard Wheat.  Since I am writing this post, you’re gonna hear about the Shandy.

Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy is a lovely light summer brew.  As you might expect with a name like ‘Shandy’ it has an intense lemon flavor that doesn’t over power but lightens the taste overall.  It was very drinkable with both my steak the first night and my cajun shrimp pasta the next night.  The nose has a lovely citrus scent and the color is a light golden ray of sunshine.  It hit the spot as I sat looking out the window onto a soybean field.  Remember, I said rural.  

https://leinie.com/Beers.aspx#summershandy

As the description states, it has a maltiness to it as you enjoy the lemonade flavor.  I highly recommend you give a try at your summer barbeques.

To continue our beer adventure, we have to thank a high school classmate of mine that was thoughtful enough to bring us a beer from St. Louis to try.  We tried it and then proceeded to almost finish off a Boulevard Sampler 12-Pack between the three of us.  Anywho, we are much obliged to said friend for thinking of us.

This beer was Mullineaux from 2nd Shift Brewing out of New Haven, Missouri.  Mullineaux is a lovely French Saison with a light, crisp taste that is easy to drink.  As with many Saisons it is very effervescent which gives it a full head if you aren’t too careful as you pour.  We all enjoyed it tremendously as we sat on the front porch (at my friend’s parent’s house, in case you were wondering) enjoying the scorching summer evening.  It almost made the heat bearable, for a little while at least.

http://2ndshiftbrewing.com/Home_Page.html

If you are in the St. Louis area or close enough to get yourself a 2nd Shift Mullineaux, I would do so.  It really was a lovely Saison that was perfect for a hot summer evening.

I will try to keep you up to date on our summer beer adventures.  Sadly, mine have been limited due to the recent news that I am moderately intolerant to Malt and Barley...I was in mourning for a bit, but decided I will just have to start exploring the world of gluten-free beers.

I hope this post finds your summer in full swing with fun outdoor activities and not things like cleaning up after massive storms, fighting forest fires or just sweltering in general.  Remember a craft beer will always make it better and there are some lovely summer brews out there on the shelves.

Until next time...Cheers!

Hiverrano American Wild Ale - Odell

Stealing a moment to post with all my buddies, no little ducks today or ms. Duck. Verrry complex, crisp, a bit sour but not a big sour. It's a starter sour for all of you that don't prefer sours ( stolen jjfw)That is a bit how I got started on IPAs, now I love them. Having a great day!

http://odellbrewing.com/

Fall Flavors

Blue Moon Pumpkin

It can be hard to get into the Fall feeling living in the Valley of the Sun, but the best way I know is to crack open one of the long awaited fall beers. Today Mr Duck made a run to BevMo to see what he could find. Although he was looking for Abita's fall seasonal (not in yet) he came home with Blue Moon's pumpkin ale.

I couldn't help but retire to the front yard(I don't have a porch) with a book. As I listen to my children along with all the neighbor kids playing outside, I reminisce in the memories of my childhood falls. Falls as in the season not mishaps landing on the ground.

As I sip my beer I savor the subtle hints of fall, pumpkins, spice, and a mellow blend of malt and hops that don't overwhelm your senses. The flavors remind me of cool, crisp October days of my youth. That first chill in the air as you sense that change is coming. The hint of pumpkin that brings flashes of gold, orange, browns and yellows to your minds eye. You recall those days of wearing sweatshirts, getting ready for a Saturday afternoon football game, rolling in a pile of leaves, picking a Halloween costume or sitting with friends around a bonfire. It may still be in the 90's where I sit, but I must admit that Fall is still my favorite time of the year. At least this time around I can enjoy a tasty beer. Cheers!

Ms Duck

Sent from my iPhone

Maui Brewing

Flyin' Hi.P.Hay IPA

Here is my first beer of the night, a really light and crisp IPA, not hoppy at all, this would be a good starter IPA for those that don't appreciate big IPA's. It is high in carbonation, in taste and has a crisp fruity smell.

Shiner Ruby Redbird - Makes me wanna go fishin' in the dark

As the days begin to warm and the late sunsets bring out a longing for bar-be-que grills, watermelon and homemade ice cream Spoetzl Brewery has brought us yet another wonderful summer seasonal...Shiner Ruby Redbird. 

This seasonal is brewed with Texas Ruby Red grapefruit, noted as the signature citrus of the Rio Grande Valley.  Redbird is a wonderfully crisp summer brew with subtle ginger flavors adding a complexity to the grapefruit notes resulting in a delightful beer made for sipping on a summer's eve.  This beer was enjoyed straight from the bottle at about 40-45 degrees.

Many people like to give Shiner seasonals a bad rap, but I am a huge fan.  I find this summer brew drinkable and easy to enjoy with your summer activities.  So while you are sitting on the porch swing watching the last few rays of evening light turn to dusk, crack open a Shiner Ruby Redbird and get ready to catch some lightening bugs.

Contributed by Ms Duck